Client: Public Health Agency of Barcelona (Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year: 2022
The Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB) commissioned a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the Eixos Verds (Green Axes) project. This report analyses how the urban design proposals of the project are expected to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
Methodology
The assessment is based on the Healthy Cities Generator tool and methodology, which links 20 urban determinants of health with 30 specific health indicators. Both the general strategic plan and the specific proposals for the first implementation phase (4 streets and 4 intersections) were analysed.
Results
- Positive impact on physical activity and cardiovascular diseases: the reorganisation of mobility, with the reduction of traffic and the improvement of walkability and cyclability, is expected to have the greatest positive impact on health.
- Improvement of mental health: the increase of green areas and the creation of new public spaces are associated with improvements in general mental health, cognitive function, and happiness.
- Noise reduction: exposure to noise is expected to be the environmental aspect that the project will impact the most.
Recommendations
The implementation of the project should be accompanied by other measures to promote healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, and the active use of public space. In addition, specific improvements in urban design are suggested, such as the incorporation of water elements and the selection of plant species with low allergenicity.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering health in urban planning and provides valuable information to guide the future development of the Green Axes project.
